Idaho Recycling Efforts Net Taxpayers Nearly $2 Million in Savings

D&D work helps move EM’s environmental cleanup forward, supports Naval Reactors

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho —The Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) is advancing its environmental goals and saving taxpayers nearly $2 million as it demolishes three legacy Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program prototypes at the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF).

Project crews have recycled more than 2,100 tons of non-contaminated metal debris since 2022, when the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) and ICP contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC) began deactivation and demolition (D&D) activities at NRF. To compare, a giant sequoia, the world's most massive tree species, can weigh 2,100 tons or more.

As a result, more than 3,100 cubic yards of material have been diverted from landfill disposal and the project has offset approximately 3,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

These recycling efforts highlight EM’s partnerships with American industry to execute the world’s largest environmental cleanup mission in a manner that saves money and enables the beneficial reuse of materials.

When metal or other debris cannot be recycled at ICP, crews follow strict environmental regulations and send the material to a disposal facility, ensuring protection of the workforce, public and underlying Snake River Plain Aquifer.

In addition to these environmental successes, the project has saved over $1.9 million in costs and supported small businesses in the region by recycling D&D debris.

Located on the Idaho National Laboratory Site, NRF is home to three defueled historic land-based Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program prototypes: the Submarine 1st Generation Westinghouse (S1W), Aircraft Carrier 1st Generation Westinghouse (A1W) and Submarine 5th Generation General Electric (S5G). Each facilitated critical training for naval personnel and testing that helped develop the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fleet.

ICP and IEC are set to complete final D&D of S1W this fall and anticipate completing D&D of A1W and S5G over the next six years.

Mike Swartz, IEC senior project director for D&D and capital projects, recognizes the importance of balancing EM’s priorities to successfully complete the project while responsibly reducing environmental legacy.

“I’m proud of our team and their commitment to complete this work safely, responsibly and efficiently,” said Swartz. “Idahoans and the Idaho Cleanup Project will benefit as we maintain this commitment and continue applying the valuable lessons we’ve learned through demolition of the A1W and S5G prototypes.”

-Contributor: Carter Harrison